There has never been a tale quite like this
one. Through many ages, many cultures and languages, many lands, one single
story has had a life that has touched hearts, transformed lives, and answered
the most profound questions that have troubled human souls. Kingdoms have come
and gone, schools of thought have been and undone, and empires have left
nothing but rubble and memory. But this story lives, pulsating with life,
power, and timeliness. It is a call to the conscience, solace to the
broken-hearted, challenge to the haughty, and hope to those who may have no
reason to hope.
It is not a story made up by human beings for
the purpose of controlling other human beings, nor is it an ancient myth for
the alleviation of fear in an unknown universe. Rather, the story of God made
known in the Bible is the entry of God, the living, personal, loving, and
glorious God, in the midst of human history for the purpose of redeeming His
own creation in Christ Jesus.
This is the story of Jesus Christ. This is His
life, teachings, works, death, and resurrection. This is also the story of the
love of God the Father, the selfless act of God the Son, and the work of God
the Holy Spirit to reveal truth and bring hearts to faith. Most importantly,
however, this is the story of grace and salvation that has been given to
humanity, which only needs to be received through faith and not through works.
The Bible tells this account in its own awesome
clarity and seamless unity. The gift of eternal life cost nothing to receive,
and eternal life is not earned as pay. Everyone who believes in Jesus Christ
has eternal life. The greatest story ever told is one to be accepted in belief
rather than simply to be admired, discussed, and analyzed.
God Before All Things: Eternal,
Loving, and Glorious
Before the existence of time, before the
creation of the universe, before the breath of humanity, God was. God did not
come into existence, nor did he evolve into greatness. God is eternal,
infinite, self-existent, and immutable. God is all-powerful, all-knowing, and
all-holy. This magnificent, glorious God is not remote or aloof. This God is
personal, purposeful, and full of love.
"In the beginning God
created the heaven and the earth." Genesis 1:1 King James Version
This is the simple truth expressed in this
verse: "All things that exist owe their very existence to God."
God did not create the universe by chance or accident. The act of creation was
one that involved wisdom and love. God spoke light into darkness, order into
chaos, and life into nothingness. The size of the universe and the complexity
of life bear witness to God’s power and providence.
God created mankind in his own likeness, and as relational creatures. Men and women were fashioned with the
capacity to think, to love, to reason, and to make decisions. Most of all, they
were created to know God and to fellowship with him. Right from the start,
God's heart was not set on fearful obedience, but on loving trust.
But even when humanity fell into sin, God did
not abandon his creation. His love was unchanging, and the story of his
redemption was already underway. The greatest story is one that started not
with the good, but with the grace of God.
God the Father: The Source of
Love and Grace
God the Father is frequently misconstrued.
People have always imagined Him as severe, remote, and angry all the time. The
true picture, however, is far different. God the Father is the source of love,
mercy, patience, and grace. His justice springs from His goodness, not from
malice.
“The LORD is gracious, and
full of compassion; slow to anger, and of great mercy.” - Psalm 145:8 (KJV)
Salvation was prepared by God long before
mankind realized it. Grace came not as an after-thought or a solution to an
emergency created by sin. It was not God's plan B; the cross was plan A, before
the creation of the world.
“For God so loved the world,
that he gave his only begotten Son.” - John 3:16 (KJV)
"While we were yet
sinners, Christ died for us."
"God so loved the world."
These words are at the very center of the
Gospel. At the very core of our Christian belief, these words are reflective of
the intentions and nature of God the Father.
It doesn't say God loved the righteous, or the
obedient, or the deserving. It says He loved the world. His love drove Him to
give and not demand. It drove Him to give His Son.
It drove Him to do so with full knowledge of
the cost, because that is what love always seeks to do: give, not demand.
God the Father did not send his Son to condemn
the world but that through him the world might be saved. God’s heart has always
been inclined toward life, restoration, and reconciliation.
The Eternal Son: God Revealed
in Human Flesh
Jesus Christ did not have his being in
Bethlehem. Jesus Christ has always existed with the Father and the Holy Spirit.
Jesus Christ is not a prophet. Jesus Christ is not a teacher. Jesus Christ is
not a moral example exalted by his followers. Jesus Christ is God in the flesh.
“In the beginning was the
Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” - John 1:1, KJV
When Jesus came into history, God did not come
thundering from the heavens with majesty and splendor. Rather, God humbled
Himself. Jesus was born as a child, reared as one of us, and lived with people
such as us.
“And the Word was made
flesh, and dwelt among us.” - John 1:14 (KJV)
Jesus experienced life as a human. He knew what
it was to be hungry and thirsty, to be weary and to sorrow. He knew what it was
to feel the emotions of compassion, joy, and sorrow. He also knew what it was
to have friends and to be betrayed. But throughout all this, Jesus led a
sinless life. His sinless life did not unqualify Him to be the Saviour of
humanity. It qualified Him.
The Life of Jesus: Love in
Motion
Every moment of Jesus’s life expressed the
heart of God. He did not draw back from suffering, but drew close to it. He did
not separate himself from sinners but drew them near. He did not trample the
weak but lifted them up.
He touched lepers despite the reluctance of
others to do the same. He talked to women whom others overlooked. He forgave
the shame-bound. He wept with the sorrowful. He healed without charging anyone,
without demanding anything in advance.
"For the Son of Man is
come to seek and to save that which was lost." – Luke 19:10 (KJV)
Jesus didn't call people to change their own
lives before they could come to Him. He called people to believe. The change
would follow, but the change wouldn't be a prerequisite for acceptance;
instead, the change would be a result of life.
The Teachings of Jesus: Life
Through Belief
Twenty-five hundred listened to Jesus teach at
a point in the bible. Many more did as he went through his earthly mission; to
restore humanity back to God.
Jesus' teachings were simple, profound, and
life-transforming. He never taught either salvation through the observance of
the law or through morality. He taught that salvation is through believing.
“He that believeth on the
Son hath everlasting life.” - John 3:36 (KJV)
"Everlasting life" isn't something
that is delayed until the time of death. Everlasting life begins the moment an
individual puts their faith in Jesus Christ.
“Verily, verily, I say unto
you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life.” - John 6:47 (KJV)
This lesson was reaffirmed repeatedly by Jesus
because it is so important. Having faith alone gives one access to eternal
life. Nothing more is required after that because grace is full.
The Miracles of Jesus:
Compassion with Authority
Jesus performed these miracles in no way that
entertained or otherwise spectacled. These acts performed by Jesus carried a
meaning that was similar in every event, and this was that God saw them, God
cared for them, and God was able to restore them.
He healed the blind and the lame. He cleansed
the lepers, and brought dignity to those who were outcasts. He fed the hungry,
and stilled the violent storm. Even the dead, he raised.
“He hath done all things
well.” Mark 7:37 (KJV)
These miracles transcended physical healing,
speaking of a greater truth; that Jesus is the giver of life. Jesus heals not
only bodies, but hearts, minds, and hopes as well.
Cross: Love Carried to
Completion
The fundamental part of the greatest story ever
is the cross. Jesus did not give his life inadvertently. No human power
conquered him either. Jesus voluntarily gave his life.
“No man taketh it from me,
but I lay it down of myself.”-John 10:18 (KJV)
At the cross, Jesus experienced the entire
judgment of sin in order to make salvation freely available. This was not the
cruelty of God, but the love of God displayed in the perfect oneness between
the Father and the Son.
"But God commendeth
his love towards us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”
Romans 5:8 (KJV)
Nothing remained incomplete. Nothing more needs
to be added. Salvation was completely finished.
Salvation by Grace through
Faith Alone
Salvation is not dependent upon good works or
religious activity. Salvation is a gift.
“For by grace are ye saved
through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God.” Ephesians
2:8 KJV
Grace is unearned favor. Faith is the trusting
of Christ alone. Salvation is sure because it is based solely on the finished
work, and not on works.
Repentance: A Change of Mind
from Unbelief
Therefore, repent and turn your face towards
salvation is the central message of the gospel.
Repentance, as found within the Bible, involves
a change of mind—believing on Jesus Christ. This repentance involves neither
sorrow for sin to gain salvation nor moral rectification to merit the gift.
"Repent and believe in
the gospel." Mark 1:15 (KJV)
The focus is upon belief. A transition from
unbelief to belief results in life. There is change and development subsequent
to salvation, not preceding it.
The Resurrection: Victory
Secured Forever
Jesus did not stay in the grave. Third day, He
rose from the dead, body and all.
“He is not here: for he is
risen.” - Matthew 28:6 (KJV)
The resurrection demonstrates the victory over
death, the victory over sin, and the assurance of eternal life for all
believers.
“Because I live, ye shall
live also.” John 14:19 (KJV)
Holy Ghost: God with Us
The Holy Spirit is always with us in all
dealings upon this blessed earth.
God has not left mankind alone in the world
since the resurrection of Christ from the dead. God’s work in the world through
the Holy Spirit includes the revelation of the truth, the attraction of the
heart to Christ, and the reassurance of eternal life for believers.
“When he, the Spirit of
truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth.” John 16:13 (KJV)
God’s Love for All His Creation
God’s love is genuine, limitless, and
inclusive.
“The Lord is good to all.” -
Psalm 145:9 (KJV)
He wants life, happiness, and belief—not
condemnation. It is an invitation to all who will listen.
An Invitation to Believe
The Great Story demands one answer: to believe.
" Believe on the Lord
Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved.” Acts 16:31 (KJV)
Conclusion
Glory, Praise, and Eternal Hope to the Father
God, glory belongs to him because of His unfailing love.
To God the Son: praise for his perfect
sacrifice.
Glory be to God in the Holy Spirit who revealed
truth and gave assurance.
“To him be glory both now
and for ever. Amen.” – 2 Peter 3:18 It is the greatest story ever told, and it
is true.
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